National University of Sciences and Technology
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BMES-850 Molecular Neuroscience
Campus SMME
Programs PG
Session Spring Semester 2017
Course Title Molecular Neuroscience
Course Code BMES-850
Credit Hours 3-0
Pre-Requisutes None
Course Objectives This course will provide fundamental concepts and understanding of biology of the neuron and synapses. Collectively neurons are responsible to control the cognitive function which makes us different from other animals. This course will provide understanding of the neural processes and molecular level organization of the synapse, mechanism of the neurotransmitter release and the advance concepts in molecular biology of the nervous system.
Detail Content Introductory topics in Neuroscience
  • The anatomical organization of the central nervous system
  • Nerve cells and behavior
  • The cytology of neurons
  • Membrane potential
  • The action potential
Molecular Neuroscience
  • Genes and their contribution towards behavior
  • Axonal transport: Synthesis and trafficking of neuronal protein:
  • Ion channels and molecular mechanism of gating of channels
  • Local signaling: passive electrical properties of the neuron
  • Overview of synaptic transmission
  • Molecular mechanism of the signaling at the nerve-muscle synapse: synaptic integration
  • Molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter release
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Glutamate receptors and their role in cognitive functions
  • Synaptic plasticity
  • The formation and regeneration of synapses
  • Membrane receptors (GPCRs and Ionotropic receptors)
  • Experimental techniques in Molecular neuroscience (data analysis and software training)
Text/Ref Books Textbook:
Principles of Neural Sciences: by Eric Kandel, James Schwartz, Thomas Jessell: Third Edition 2000
Neuroscience: by Dale Purves: Third Edition 2004

The Central Nervous System
Per Brodal Oxford University Press, 2010
Time Schedule Spring Semester 2017
Faculty/Resource Person Dr Nosheen Fatima Rana
PhD